As we reflect on this past year, a monumental one in the journey of South Investment Holdings,I am reminded of the land that raised me. A native of the former Transkei, Eastern Cape, I was born and raised in kuNqwati, a village near the East bank of the Mbashe River, outside Mthata.
My family was one of many who relied on subsistence farming for survival. Our land was more than just a means of livelihood; it was the foundation of our identity, resilience, and hope for the future.
From a young age, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work of small-scale farmers—early mornings spent tending to crops, long days caring for livestock, and the shared commitment to ensuring that our families had enough to eat. Yet, despite months of effort and impressive yields, my grandfather,Tofile—like many farmers in our community—could only sell a fraction of his grain harvest. The rest sat unused, repurposed as animal feed, or stored until it was no longer viable.
At the time, I accepted this as normal. It was only later that I came to understand the deeper systemic barriers at play: limited market access, lack of mechanisation, and an agricultural economy structured to favor large commercial farms—many of which were white-owned. Black farmers were excluded from the commercial agricultural landscape, unable to compete, unable to grow, and unable to break the cycle of generational poverty that gripped so many rural communities.
From this realisation, Lui Agri was born—not just as a business, but as a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to transforming agriculture into a tool for economic empowerment, social equity, and sustainable development. Over the past year, we have taken tangible steps toward this vision:
- Providing small-scale farmers with mentorship, mechanization, and direct market access—turning subsistence farming into commercial success.
- Launching a fully accredited Agricultural Skills Programme (NQF Level 4) in partnership with the National Skills Fund and the Department of Correctional Services, empowering young people with practical skills to become agri-preneurs and future leaders in the sector.
- Partnering with the Eastern Cape Department of Education to establish sites at 18 agricultural high schools and a special-needs facility—expanding opportunities for youth, including those with disabilities, to build sustainable careers in farming.
- Investing in agri-technology, irrigation infrastructure, and livestock innovation—ensuring that our agricultural ecosystem is not just competitive, but future-proof.
This is only the beginning. As we move forward, South Investment Holdings remains committed to reshaping the economy of the Eastern Cape and beyond. Through responsible and sustainable property investment we wish to change lives and empower young people nd small businesses to thrive. As a holdings company, we strive to make our economy more inclusive, sustainable, and profitable. Agriculture has the power to feed, employ, and uplift entire communities, and we invite our partners, investors, and stakeholders to join us in harnessing this potential.
I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has participated in this inaugural year—our farmers, learners, team, and supporters. Together, we are proving that the future of South African agriculture belongs to all of us.
Sincerely,
Sibongile Gobile
Founder & CEO, South Investment Holdings
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